by Hirourk·Workflow
Images © Hirourk. Used for product review; image policy.
HAS Paint Layers earns its place in the blender_extensions library by handling texture painting through stacked, non-destructive layers rather than a single flat image. The 0.8.93 update removed all eval() calls.
HAS Paint Layers is a Blender add-on built around a layer-based approach to texture painting. Instead of working on a single flat image, you create, organize, and manage multiple paint layers, each of which can hold an unlimited number of filters and masks. The developer describes it as a non-destructive workflow, useful for hand-painted textures and fast editing while still effective for creating PBR textures.
Beyond layers, the add-on covers PBR channel painting with easy setup, blending modes, and preview images and colors for each layer. You can create a custom node group and use it as a filter, combine layers, apply filters, and resize. Baking and paint tools are included, along with texture export, including the ORA format, and autosave.
Setup happens on the side panel in the 3D viewport: select an unwrapped mesh, run Setup Material and Setup Scene, then add a paint layer to begin. It works with Blender 4.2 LTS and newer, and the developer keeps a wiki updated to the current version for reference.
HAS Paint Layers is best for artists working on hand-painted textures and fast editing who also create PBR textures and want a non-destructive, layer-based workflow.
HAS Paint Layers is completely free to download and use.
HAS Paint Layers lists compatibility with Blender 4.2 LTS and newer on its extensions page, and the developer notes it has been tested on Blender 3.1, 3.6, 4.0, and 4.2. If you're on a version within that range, the add-on should install and run. After installation, you'll find the HAS Paint panel on the side panel in the 3D viewport. For versions outside those tested builds, check the developer's page for the latest compatibility information before relying on it in a project.
HAS Paint Layers appears on the side panel in the 3D View after installation. Select a mesh and make sure it is unwrapped, then open the add-on panel and click Setup Material and Setup Scene. From there, add a paint layer using the brush icon in the bottom left corner, and you can begin painting. The developer's wiki covers additional details and is kept updated to the current version, so it's a useful reference when you're getting started.
HAS Paint Layers is listed as free in this catalog, and the developer describes it as a free tool for artists who want a non-destructive workflow with textures. It is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. The add-on can be downloaded from the developer's releases page or from Gumroad, then installed through Blender's Add-ons preferences. For current licensing terms and any distribution options, check the developer's page.
HAS Paint Layers requests one permission when installed as a Blender extension: Files, used to store temporary images. When Blender prompts about file access during installation, that request corresponds to this temporary image storage. The add-on exports created textures and supports autosave, both of which involve writing image data, so granting the permission lets those features function as intended. Exported textures can also be saved in the ORA format.
HAS Paint Layers is documented through the developer's wiki, which the developer notes is kept updated to the current version. It covers how to get started and additional information about the add-on's tools. You can reach it from the developer's page. For now, the wiki is the main learning resource, and the developer indicates it is the available documentation at this time.
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